It’s a natural part of growing up; children and teenagers are often focused on themselves. They are navigating their own growth, learning, and place in the world. Coming home from school, it’s all about sharing their day with parents. I confess, asking my parents about their day wasn’t really on my childhood radar.
In my younger years, my parents seemed like pillars of strength, almost invincible. Worrying about them was a foreign concept. Now, as I get older, that perspective has shifted. I find myself concerned about their well-being, genuinely interested in the details of their lives. I cherish hearing their stories from younger days, understanding how they feel, their thoughts, and dreams. Their happiness is important to me. Looking back, I wish I had spent more time listening and less time talking when I was younger.
My mom often shares cherished memories of her childhood in Loganville, Pennsylvania, where her grandparents lived. Visiting Loganville with her is always special. It’s a place that holds deep meaning for her, and now for me too. Our trips often include a delicious lunch and a browse through the market at Brown’s Orchards, followed by old-fashioned ice cream at Carman’s Ice Cream shop, a real hidden gem. Each time we are in Loganville, my mom makes sure to point out the house where her grandparents once lived. Being there, I feel a stronger connection to family members I never had the chance to meet. This connection to the past is a powerful reason to look up your family tree.
During one visit to Loganville on April 8, 2010, my mom and I took an unplanned detour to the cemetery where several family members who passed away from Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) are buried. It was a deeply moving experience, watching my mom walk amongst the tombstones. She shared stories of each person, explaining how we were related. It was a day that was both somber and life-affirming. This experience highlighted the importance of understanding your family history, especially when considering family health history as part of your family tree research.
We know that PKD in our family lineage began with my mom’s grandfather, Kervin, who passed away at the age of 60. Kervin and his wife had ten children, and my mom’s mother was among those who inherited PKD. Many of my mom’s aunts, uncles, and cousins also had the disease. Paying our respects at their tombstones that spring day in Loganville was a poignant reminder of our family’s journey with PKD. Looking up your family tree can reveal important patterns, especially concerning inherited conditions.
PKD also claimed the lives of my mom’s half-brother, Jack, at age 60, and her sister, Donna, at 48. Donna lived in North Carolina, and I only spent a week with her when I was 15. She was in kidney failure, and I remember her in our spare bedroom with curlers in her hair and medicine bags around her. Unbeknownst to me at the time, she had decided against dialysis and was allowing the disease to take its course. That visit became a treasured memory. While I respect her decision, I still wish she had chosen to fight. These stories are crucial pieces when you Look Up Family Tree information, providing a fuller picture of your ancestors’ lives.
My mom’s mother, Pauline, nicknamed “Mickey,” faced a significant battle with PKD. She was a fighter. Sadly, she passed away before I was born. I wish I could have met this warrior; I know she must have been amazing because she was my mom’s mother. Mickey began experiencing health issues in her mid-40s and passed away at 53. She was on dialysis for eight years, but the idea of a transplant frightened her. Unfortunately, she never reached that point. Her cysts continued to grow, causing significant abdominal enlargement. Both of her kidneys were removed. Seven weeks after this intense bilateral nephrectomy, her bowels ruptured. Bowel surgery was unsuccessful, and she passed away a month later from bleeding due to PKD complications. A truly tragic story. Understanding these medical histories is a vital aspect when you look up your family tree, particularly for health-related reasons.
My mom, Pam, is 57 and was diagnosed with PKD in her early 20s. She has been managing high blood pressure since age 30. She still has her original kidneys, and they are functioning well. Mom has thankfully avoided cyst bleeds and only experiences occasional pain. I am incredibly grateful for her good health. My brother, Brandon, is 36 and also has PKD. He has four children, and his eldest son, Branson, has inherited PKD. I was diagnosed at age 10 and am the youngest in our family to experience severe PKD symptoms and the first to receive a kidney transplant. Tracing these health journeys is a key element when you look up your family tree, especially if there are known hereditary conditions.
This is our family tree of PKD. Standing in that cemetery in April 2010, surrounded by the tombstones of our relatives, many questions lingered. We wanted to understand more – why they passed away, and why so young. While saddened, I also felt incredibly fortunate to be able to reach out and embrace my mom, to hear her voice, and see her beautiful smile. My story proves that family history doesn’t have to be destiny. I encourage you to be curious, ask questions, and look up your family tree to learn as much as you can about your own family history while you have the chance. Discovering your roots can be a powerful and enlightening journey.
What does your family tree look like?
